Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 394
Lectionary: 394
The children of
Israel set out from Rameses for Succoth,
about six hundred thousand men on foot,
not counting the little ones.
A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them,
besides their livestock, very numerous flocks and herds.
Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened,
they baked it into unleavened loaves.
They had rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity
even to prepare food for the journey.
The time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt
was four hundred and thirty years.
At the end of four hundred and thirty years,
all the hosts of the LORD left the land of Egypt on this very date.
This was a night of vigil for the LORD,
as he led them out of the land of Egypt;
so on this same night
all the children of Israel must keep a vigil for the LORD
throughout their generations.
about six hundred thousand men on foot,
not counting the little ones.
A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them,
besides their livestock, very numerous flocks and herds.
Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened,
they baked it into unleavened loaves.
They had rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity
even to prepare food for the journey.
The time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt
was four hundred and thirty years.
At the end of four hundred and thirty years,
all the hosts of the LORD left the land of Egypt on this very date.
This was a night of vigil for the LORD,
as he led them out of the land of Egypt;
so on this same night
all the children of Israel must keep a vigil for the LORD
throughout their generations.
Responsorial PsalmPS 136:1 AND 23-24, 10-12, 13-15
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Who remembered us in our abjection,
for his mercy endures forever;
And freed us from our foes,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who smote the Egyptians in their first-born,
for his mercy endures forever;
And brought out Israel from their midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who split the Red Sea in twain,
for his mercy endures forever;
And led Israel through its midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Who remembered us in our abjection,
for his mercy endures forever;
And freed us from our foes,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who smote the Egyptians in their first-born,
for his mercy endures forever;
And brought out Israel from their midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who split the Red Sea in twain,
for his mercy endures forever;
And led Israel through its midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia2 COR 5:19
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 12:14-21
The Pharisees went
out and took counsel against Jesus
to put him to death.
When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
to put him to death.
When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
Meditation: Until Jesus brings justice to victory
How do we achieve success and victory in our lives? In
everyone's life there are key moments or turning points on which the whole of
one's life hinges. The mounting confrontation between the Pharisees and Jesus
was such a decisive event and crisis. The religious leaders became intolerant
of Jesus because of their prejudice. Nothing that Jesus would do or say from
this point on would be right in their eyes. They conspired, not simply to
oppose Jesus but to eliminate him.
Courage and determination to do God's will
Jesus met this defiance with courage and determination to do his Father's will. He used the crisis to teach his disciples an important lesson for God's way to success and victory. The only way to glory in God's kingdom is through the cross - the cross of suffering and humiliation - which Jesus endured for our sake and for our salvation. We, too, are called to take up our cross every day - to die to sin, selfishness, envy, pride, strife, and hatred - and to lay down our lives in humble service and love for one another, just as Jesus did for our sake.
Jesus met this defiance with courage and determination to do his Father's will. He used the crisis to teach his disciples an important lesson for God's way to success and victory. The only way to glory in God's kingdom is through the cross - the cross of suffering and humiliation - which Jesus endured for our sake and for our salvation. We, too, are called to take up our cross every day - to die to sin, selfishness, envy, pride, strife, and hatred - and to lay down our lives in humble service and love for one another, just as Jesus did for our sake.
Matthew quotes from the "Suffering Servant" prophecies
of Isaiah to explain how Jesus the Messiah would accomplish his mission - not
through crushing power - but through love and sacrificial service (Isaiah
42:1-4). In place of a throne Jesus chose to mount the cross and wear a crown of
thorns. He was crucified as our Lord and King (John 19:19; Philippians 2:11)
There is no greater proof of God's love for us than the sacrificial death of
his only begotten Son for our sake and our salvation (John 3:16).
Jesus died not only for the Jews but for all the Gentile nations
as well. Isaiah had prophesied centuries before, that the Messiah would bring
justice to the Gentiles. To the Greek mind, justice involved giving to God and
to one's fellow citizen that which is their due (whatever is owed to them).
Jesus taught his disciples to give God not only his due, but to love him
without measure just as he loves us unconditionally - without limits or
reservation.
Justice tempered with love and mercy
Jesus brings the justice of God's kingdom tempered with divine love and mercy. He does not bruise the weak or treat them with contempt, but rather shows understanding and compassion. He does not discourage the fainthearted but gives hope, courage, and the strength to persevere through trying circumstances. No trials, failings, and weaknesses can keep us from the mercy and help which Jesus offers to everyone who asks. His grace is sufficient for every moment, every situation, and every challenge we face. When you meet trials and difficulties, do you rely on God's help and grace?
Jesus brings the justice of God's kingdom tempered with divine love and mercy. He does not bruise the weak or treat them with contempt, but rather shows understanding and compassion. He does not discourage the fainthearted but gives hope, courage, and the strength to persevere through trying circumstances. No trials, failings, and weaknesses can keep us from the mercy and help which Jesus offers to everyone who asks. His grace is sufficient for every moment, every situation, and every challenge we face. When you meet trials and difficulties, do you rely on God's help and grace?
"Lord Jesus, your love and mercy knows no bounds. Give me
strength when I am weak, hope when I am discouraged, peace when I am troubled,
consolation when I am sad, and understanding when I am perplexed. Make me an
instrument of your love and peace to those who are troubled and without
hope."
SATURDAY, JULY 18, MATTHEW 12:14-21
(Exodus 12:37-- 42; Psalm 136)
KEY VERSE: "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight" (v 18).
TO KNOW: When Jesus cured a man on the Sabbath (Mt 12:9-13), the religious leaders were outraged and they plotted to put Jesus to death. Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah to show that he was the fulfillment of God's suffering servant (Is 42:1-4). The people expected the Messiah to come with power to overcome their enemies. Instead, Jesus came in meekness and humility, offering hope to those who were burdened. Imbued with God's Spirit, Jesus proclaimed justice for all who were crushed under the weight of oppression (Mt 11:28-30). As opposition to Jesus grew, he departed from that area. Many followed him and were healed. The world will come to know Jesus when Christians imitate his example of compassionate service to those in need.
TO LOVE: Do my actions promote peace or contention?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to follow your example by working for peace and justice.
(Exodus 12:37-- 42; Psalm 136)
KEY VERSE: "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight" (v 18).
TO KNOW: When Jesus cured a man on the Sabbath (Mt 12:9-13), the religious leaders were outraged and they plotted to put Jesus to death. Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah to show that he was the fulfillment of God's suffering servant (Is 42:1-4). The people expected the Messiah to come with power to overcome their enemies. Instead, Jesus came in meekness and humility, offering hope to those who were burdened. Imbued with God's Spirit, Jesus proclaimed justice for all who were crushed under the weight of oppression (Mt 11:28-30). As opposition to Jesus grew, he departed from that area. Many followed him and were healed. The world will come to know Jesus when Christians imitate his example of compassionate service to those in need.
TO LOVE: Do my actions promote peace or contention?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to follow your example by working for peace and justice.
Optional Memorial of Camillus de Lellis,
priest
Camillus entered the Capuchin novitiate three times, but each time a nagging leg injury, which he received while fighting the Turks, forced him to give up. He went to Rome for medical treatment where St. Philip Neri became his priest and confessor. Camillus moved into San Giacomo Hospital for the incurable, and eventually became its administrator. Lacking education, he began to study with children when he was 32 years old. Ordained a priest, he founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sick (the Camellians) who cared for the sick both in hospital and home. Camillus honored the sick as living images of Christ, and hoped that the service he gave them did penance for his wayward youth.
Camillus entered the Capuchin novitiate three times, but each time a nagging leg injury, which he received while fighting the Turks, forced him to give up. He went to Rome for medical treatment where St. Philip Neri became his priest and confessor. Camillus moved into San Giacomo Hospital for the incurable, and eventually became its administrator. Lacking education, he began to study with children when he was 32 years old. Ordained a priest, he founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sick (the Camellians) who cared for the sick both in hospital and home. Camillus honored the sick as living images of Christ, and hoped that the service he gave them did penance for his wayward youth.
Saturday 18 July 2015
Exodus
12:37-42. His love is everlasting—Ps 135(136):1, 10-15, 23-24. Matthew
12:14-21.
They
plotted how to destroy him.
How could
they plot like that? We are confronted here with the mystery of evil and hatred
and of goodness and love. Your gentleness with us, Lord, contrasts with our
lack of mercy towards others: your love for us contrasts with our hardness of
heart.
Lord,
your love is everlasting. From that time of Exodus to your last act of
salvation, you ‘remember us in our distress’. Deliver us from evil, Lord: help
us to choose the good. May your Spirit enliven our faith so that we may bring
your hope, peace and joy to those whose lives touch ours. Lord, let us never
‘break the crushed reed nor put out the smouldering wick’. May your Spirit
renew our strength and enkindle in us the fire of your love.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
|
Love Our Enemies
|
We are to forgive the injuries and love those who have harmed us.
The Bridegroom himself came in love and was crucified, and his last words were
words of forgiveness. As icons of his beloved bride, we have no other option,
despite the staggering implications of such a demand.
July
18
St. Camillus de Lellis
(1550-1614)
St. Camillus de Lellis
(1550-1614)
Humanly
speaking, Camillus was not a likely candidate for sainthood. His mother died
when he was a child, his father neglected him, and he grew up with an excesive
love for gambling. At 17 he was afflicted with a disease of his leg that
remained with him for life. In Rome, he entered the San Giacomo Hospital for
Incurables as both patient and servant, but was dismissed for quarrelsomeness
after nine months. He served in the Venetian army for three years. Then in the
winter of 1574, when he was 24, he gambled away everything he had–savings,
weapons, literally down to his shirt. He accepted work at the Capuchin friary
at Manfredonia, and was one day so moved by a sermon of the superior that he
began a conversion that changed his whole life. He entered the Capuchin
movitiate, but was dismissed because of the apparently incurable sore on his
leg. After another stint of service at San Giacomo, he came back to the
Capuchins, only to be dismissed again, for the same reason.
Again,
back at San Giacomo, his dedication was rewarded by his being made
superintendent. He devoted the rest of his life to the care of the sick, and
has been named, along with St. John of God, patron of hospitals, nurses and the
sick. With the advice of his friend St. Philip Neri, he studied for the
priesthood and was ordained at the age of 34. Contrary to the advice of his
friend, he left San Giacomo and founded a congregation of his own. As superior,
he devoted much of his own time to the care of the sick.
Charity
was his first concern, but the physical aspects of the hospital also received
his diligent attention. He insisted on cleanliness and the technical competence
of those who served the sick. The members of his community bound themselves to
serve prisoners and persons infected by the plague as well as those dying in
private homes. Some of his men were with troops fighting in Hungary and Croatia
in 1595, forming the first recorded military field ambulance. In Naples, he and
his men went onto the galleys that had plague and were not allowed to land. He
discovered that there were people being buried alive, and ordered his brothers
to continue the prayers for the dying 15 minutes after apparent death.
He
himself suffered the disease of his leg through his life. In his last illness
he left his own bed to see if other patients in the hospital needed help.
Story:
A doctor
in Philadelphia is a modern-day Camillus. An AP news story reports that the
31-year-old bachelor does not have an office, and gave up a lucrative health
center job to treat the chronically ill in the inner city who cannot get to a
clinic. He limits his practice to house calls in that inner city neighborhood.
Comment:
Saints are created by God. Parents must indeed nurture the faith in their children; husbands and wives must cooperate to deepen their baptismal grace; friends must support each other. But all human effort is only the dispensing of divine power. We must all "try" as if everything depended on us. But only the power of God can fulfill the plan of God–to make us like himself.
Saints are created by God. Parents must indeed nurture the faith in their children; husbands and wives must cooperate to deepen their baptismal grace; friends must support each other. But all human effort is only the dispensing of divine power. We must all "try" as if everything depended on us. But only the power of God can fulfill the plan of God–to make us like himself.
Quote:
Patron Saint of:
Hospitals
Nurses
Hospitals
Nurses
LECTIO DIVINA:
MATTHEW 12,14-21
Lectio:
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
God our Father,
your light of truth
guides us to the way of Christ.
May all who follow him
reject what is contrary to the gospel.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
your light of truth
guides us to the way of Christ.
May all who follow him
reject what is contrary to the gospel.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 12,14-21
At this the Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus,
discussing how to destroy him. Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district.
Many followed him and he cured them all but warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Look! My servant whom
I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul delights, I will send my Spirit upon
him, and he will present judgement to the nations; he will not brawl or cry
out, his voice is not heard in the streets, he will not break the crushed reed,
or snuff the faltering wick, until he has made judgement victorious; in him the
nations will put their hope.
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today has two parts bound between them: (a) It
describes the diverse reactions of the Pharisees and of the people who listen
to the preaching of Jesus; (b) it describes what Matthew sees in these diverse
reactions: the fulfilment of the prophecy of the Servant of Yahweh, announced
by Isaiah.
• Matthew 12,14: The reaction of the Pharisees: they decide to kill Jesus. This verse is the conclusion of the previous episode, in which Jesus challenges the malice of the Pharisees, by curing the man who had a withered hand (Mt 12,9-14). The reaction of the Pharisees was to hold a Council meeting against Jesus. Thus, they arrive to the breaking of the relationship between the religious authority and Jesus. In Mark this episode is much more explicit and provoking (Mk 3,1-6). He says that the decision to kill Jesus was not only that of the Pharisees, but also of the Herodians (Mk 3,6). Altar and Throne joined together against Jesus.
• Matthew 12,15-16: The reaction of the people: to follow Jesus. When Jesus learnt the decision of the Pharisees, he went away from the place where he was. People follow him. Even knowing that the religious authority has decided to kill Jesus, the people do not go away from Jesus, rather they follow him. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. People know how to discern. Jesus asks not to diffuse the news, not to say what he is doing. A great contrast! On the one side, the conflict of life and death, between Jesus and the religious authority, and on the other the movement of the people who were desirous to encounter Jesus! They were above all, the marginalized and the excluded who presented themselves to Jesus with their illness and their infirmities. They, who were not accepted in society, and in the religious field, were accepted by Jesus.
• Matthew 12,17: The concern of Matthew: Jesus is our Messiah. This reaction, different from that of the Pharisees and of the people, moved Matthew to see here the realization of the prophecy of the Servant. On the one hand, the Servant was persecuted by the authority which insulted him and spat on his face, but he does not turn back. He presents his face hard as a rock, knowing that he will not be disappointed (Is 50,5-7). On the other hand, the Servant is sought and expected by the people. The crowd coming from far is waiting for his teaching (Is 42,4). This is exactly what is happening to Jesus.
• Matthew 12,18-21: Jesus fulfils the prophecy of the Servant. Matthew presents the entire first Canticle of the Servant. Read the text slowly, thinking of Jesus and the poor who today are excluded:
“Look! My Servant whom I have chosen;
my beloved in whom my soul delights,
I will send my Spirit upon him, and he will present judgment to the nations;
He will not brawl or cry out; his voice is not heard in the streets,
He will not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick.
Until he has made judgment victorious; in him the nations will put their hope”.
• Matthew 12,14: The reaction of the Pharisees: they decide to kill Jesus. This verse is the conclusion of the previous episode, in which Jesus challenges the malice of the Pharisees, by curing the man who had a withered hand (Mt 12,9-14). The reaction of the Pharisees was to hold a Council meeting against Jesus. Thus, they arrive to the breaking of the relationship between the religious authority and Jesus. In Mark this episode is much more explicit and provoking (Mk 3,1-6). He says that the decision to kill Jesus was not only that of the Pharisees, but also of the Herodians (Mk 3,6). Altar and Throne joined together against Jesus.
• Matthew 12,15-16: The reaction of the people: to follow Jesus. When Jesus learnt the decision of the Pharisees, he went away from the place where he was. People follow him. Even knowing that the religious authority has decided to kill Jesus, the people do not go away from Jesus, rather they follow him. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. People know how to discern. Jesus asks not to diffuse the news, not to say what he is doing. A great contrast! On the one side, the conflict of life and death, between Jesus and the religious authority, and on the other the movement of the people who were desirous to encounter Jesus! They were above all, the marginalized and the excluded who presented themselves to Jesus with their illness and their infirmities. They, who were not accepted in society, and in the religious field, were accepted by Jesus.
• Matthew 12,17: The concern of Matthew: Jesus is our Messiah. This reaction, different from that of the Pharisees and of the people, moved Matthew to see here the realization of the prophecy of the Servant. On the one hand, the Servant was persecuted by the authority which insulted him and spat on his face, but he does not turn back. He presents his face hard as a rock, knowing that he will not be disappointed (Is 50,5-7). On the other hand, the Servant is sought and expected by the people. The crowd coming from far is waiting for his teaching (Is 42,4). This is exactly what is happening to Jesus.
• Matthew 12,18-21: Jesus fulfils the prophecy of the Servant. Matthew presents the entire first Canticle of the Servant. Read the text slowly, thinking of Jesus and the poor who today are excluded:
“Look! My Servant whom I have chosen;
my beloved in whom my soul delights,
I will send my Spirit upon him, and he will present judgment to the nations;
He will not brawl or cry out; his voice is not heard in the streets,
He will not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick.
Until he has made judgment victorious; in him the nations will put their hope”.
4) Personal questions
• Do you know some case in which the religious authority, in the
name of religion, decided to persecute and kill persons who, like Jesus, did
good to people?
• In our community are we servants of God for the people? What do we lack?
• In our community are we servants of God for the people? What do we lack?
5) Concluding Prayer
How precious, God, is your faithful love.
So the children of Adam take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the bounty of your house,
you let them drink from your delicious streams. (Ps 36,7-8)
So the children of Adam take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the bounty of your house,
you let them drink from your delicious streams. (Ps 36,7-8)
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